HOT FIGHTER, SUMMER AT THE CITI: Undefeated Irish superstar Carl Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) continued his barnstorm to promote his title tilt challenge against Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) on Saturday, July 30 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. “The Jackal” at Citi Field on Wednesday (July 27) as the New York Mets graciously hosted Frampton, his Hall of Fame manager Barry McGuigan, and Shane McGuigan, Barry’s son who is Frampton’s trainer. Mets stars – closer Jeurys Familia, starter Steven Matz and first baseman James Loney – were among the players who wished Frampton success in his bid to capture the same title that his manager held 30 years ago. Frampton was also introduced to Mets acclaimed broadcasters Gary Cohen (SNY TV) and Howie Rose (WOR Radio). “I’m loving this,” said the Belfast born two-time champ of the evening in the sun. Mets executive director Howard Kaufman presented Frampton with a no. 7 Mets jersey on behalf of the team.

Their world championship fight marks both Santa Cruz and Frampton’s first visit to New York City as they headline a full card of action. On Tuesday, the two met face-to-face for the first time at The Empire State Building on the 86th floor Observatory. Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan (from base to antenna), the Empire State Building is the “World’s Most Famous Building.”

Photo credit William Cherry/Press Eye Photographer